Endurance swimmer Diana Nyad’s 48-hour swim earlier this month will fund art therapy and counseling programs in two New York City neighborhoods where residents are still recovering from Sandy. Read more: NBC New York

Barneys apologizes after racial profiling accusations

Barneys has issued an apology after coming under fire from at least two customers claiming racial profiling. Read more: ABC New York

Four charities agree to accelerate spending for Sandy relief efforts

Four charities that raised money for Superstorm Sandy relief efforts have agreed to either accelerate spending or kick in more cash as a result of negotiations with New York state. Read more:CBS New York/APReport: US monitored the phone calls of 35 world leaders

The United States monitored the phone conversations of 35 world leaders according to classified documents leaked by fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden, Britain’s Guardian newspaper said on Thursday. Read more: Reuters